Over the last several years, there’s been a lot of talk about loving yourself in the body-positive movement. And while that’s a wonderful notion, loving ourselves when we’re at war with our body can feel like an impossible task. Or, maybe it just feels pointless in that we’re setting ourselves up for failure, disappointment. Furthermore, when we’re experiencing the following things:

• Chronic pain
• Chronic illness
• Trauma, or
• Stigma for a body that does not fit the cultural ideal…

The act of self-love can seem unfathomable. In other words:

Self-love in trying times can feel like a bunch of BS!

Awhile back I was on the “you gotta practice self-love” train too. That was until my train got derailed. Well, I’ve learned the hard way that chronic pain and illness can be physically/emotionally/spiritually painful. I hated my body way more than I loved it. That is for sure!

What does it mean to “neutralize the body experience?

However, I also now realize that body hatred is a form of body combat. And that kind of in-fighting only wires us for more stress. Which then only serves to keep or amplify dis-ease and unrest in both body and mind.

So what if we could rest in a space within us that didn’t have to be loving? Or hating?

What if we could rest in a place within ourselves that witnessed the whole body experience? The mistakes? The successes? The limitations? The abilities? The good? The bad? The right? The wrong?

And what might happen if we explored all these things in a state of presence and objectivity?

Finally, is it even possible to reach neutral ground with your thoughts/feelings/beliefs about your body? Well, I think so! Herein lies one of my favourite practices – Yoga Nidra…

What is Yoga Nidra?

Yoga Nidra is a form of guided relaxation, also known as “awakened sleep” or deep conscious rest. While the body is in a relaxed and still position, participants navigate the thoughts, beliefs and emotions of the fluctuating mind.

Yoga Nidra puts a pause on the high stress experience of living in an injured, traumatized or stigmatized body. The parasympathetic nervous system takes over to facilitate a rest and digest state.

And just by being in this rest and digest mode, we physiologically bring our bodies into a neutral zone without having to force anything else (loving, hateful or otherwise).

A Yoga Nidra practice typically includes the following 2 things:

1. An intention that is affirming, action oriented and in the present tense
2. Exploring both extremes of various experiences, attempting to experience them at the same time

A Yoga Nidra Practice to Neutralize the Body Experience

Wanna try? I recorded a brief Yoga Nidra practice that I’m happy to share here. Before you begin:

1. Remove potential distractions
2. Find a space that is quiet and where you won’t be disturbed
3. Setup in a comfortable position on the floor or chair

Here is your guided Yoga Nidra Session (20 minutes):

***Curious to try more Yoga Nidra and other relaxation strategies? Check the schedule for our next round of Small Group Restorative sessions and for registration details. Or, if group settings are not your thing, Michelle is booking 1:1 private sessions also. Contact us to set up your complimentary phone consult. 

The post Neutralizing the Body Experience: From self-love to body hatred and everything in between appeared first on Define Me Wellness.

A Full Day Dedicated to Women’s Health, Empowerment & Self-Care

Most of all, this is a day for connection and revitalizing your commitment to your well-being journey for 2017 and beyond.  It’s going to be refreshing and fun! And we hope you’ll join us.  As an extra incentive to get you registered….

It’s Contest Giveaway Time!

Part of our women’s health retreat involves a practice in self-massage.  And we’ll be using my go-to resources with the Yoga Tune Up® Therapy Balls.  Establishing a daily self-massage routine can help with:

• Relieving and eliminating pain
• Managing stress
• Enhancing the mind-body connection

Because I’m a big “ball-iever” in the power of self-care as health-care, I want you to be able to take what you learned home with you.  So, if you register by 11:59pm Monday, Jan 16th, your name will be entered into a draw to win a Yoga Tune Up® Therapy Balls kit.  Valued at almost $150, the winner will receive the following:

• Set of Originals, in netted tote
• 1 Alpha
• 1 Coregeous
• Plus, a private 1:1 customized “roll-it-out” session with me, Michelle

Another event (and giveaway) like this isn’t going to come along often! Sunday, January 22nd is going to be a fabulous day with a peaceful setting, delicious food and a room full of women celebrating and empowering one another.

To join us, simply follow this link for registration. This once a year event is only open to the first 20 registered.

The post Jan 22nd Retreat for Women’s Health, Empowerment & Self-Care! Agenda & Contest Giveaway!!! appeared first on Define Me Wellness.

Seems like the holidays are wrapping up and a new year is upon us.  It’s the best time to prioritize you and find simple ways to take good care of your whole self (read: mind, body, spirit).  That’s why I’m excited to be co-hosting this Nourished Body day-long retreat on January 22nd! Past participants say it’s introspective, inspiring, valuable and fun! And this year’s event promises to be all that and more.

Tucked away in a farm setting in Uxbridge, you’ll learn new and interesting practices around food, movement and health.  Here are just a few highlights…

Exploring an alternative to the diet and deprivation cycle

Our relationship with food can be complicated and frustrating.  But it shouldn’t be.  And it doesn’t have to be.  Kori Kostka, Registered Dietitian, will have you thinking differently about eating through:

1. Ditching the rules and restriction (or putting them aside, at least for one day)
2. Discovering ways to identify hunger and fullness cues
3. And putting theory into practice with a fully-catered mindful eating lunch

Restore your body and nervous systems through movement:

Since food and exercise go hand-in-hand when dieting, the usual approach to physical activity probably leaves us more disconnected from our bodies.  And just like with food, it doesn’t have to be this way.  Therefore, Michelle Pitman (that’s me!) will also have you thinking and relating to your body differently with:

1. Body sensing from a place of curiosity and no judgment
2. Self massage techniques for pain relief
3. Restorative yoga as a gentle and embodied experience

As a result of these movement practices, you will feel deep relaxation and a better understanding of your body’s needs.

Finally, discover how you can take charge of your health

It all comes together with a candid and kind conversation with Nurse Practitioner Claudia Mariano.  You will get the facts about the health concerns that matter most to you as a woman, from an expert.  And then learn what you can do to prevent, heal and thrive through:

1. Practicing mindfulness for women’s health, at various life stages
2. Discovering new tips for taking care of your skin
3. And, most importantly, determining how to get what you want out of life

Sunday, January 22nd is going to be a fabulous day with a peaceful setting, delicious food and a room full of women celebrating and empowering one another.  To join us, simply follow this link for registration.  And please sign up soon to avoid disappointment.  This once a year event is only open to the first 20 registered.

Women’s Wellness & Leadership Retreat
Eat, Play and Be Mindful

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